Abia State Governor Alex Otti has warned political parties and their supporters against violence during the 2027 general election campaigns, saying the state will not tolerate acts capable of disrupting peace.
Otti issued the warning on Tuesday in Umuahia while inaugurating the Labour Party Campaign Council for the 2027 elections.
“We have made this place peaceful and open. Violence will not be entertained. We are not going to tolerate violence,” the governor said.
He said security agencies had been directed to provide a level playing field for all political parties and candidates, allowing them to campaign freely without intimidation or violence.
Otti also urged members of the Labour Party’s various campaign groups to work with the party leadership and other stakeholders, stressing that the campaign should be coordinated across the party’s structures.
He described membership of the campaign council as a call to service rather than an opportunity for individuals to assert superiority over others.
“Consider yourself as best among equals,” Otti told members of the council, urging them to work collectively and with grassroots party structures.
The governor said no individual or group could successfully run the campaign alone, adding that the leadership of the campaign extended beyond those present at the inauguration.
“Everybody is involved,” he said.
Otti also asked candidates to establish their own campaign councils to strengthen mobilisation and coordination at the grassroots, while the state campaign council would provide overall direction.
He said the 2027 campaign should focus less on promises and more on the government’s achievements, policies and programmes affecting the people.
The governor urged party members to remain focused on issues and avoid being distracted by what he described as propaganda from opponents.
He also announced plans for a Campaign Advisory Council, with former Abia State Deputy Governor Ude Chukwu expected to play a key role as chairman.
Responding on behalf of the council members, its Director-General, Agwu Agwu, assured Otti that the team would work diligently towards achieving the party’s objectives.
Agwu pledged to deploy the members’ experience and commitment in the campaign as they seek victory for the Labour Party.
